Living in Germany as a foreigner: What is it really like?

If you’re considering living in Germany to grow your career as an entrepreneur, start a university program, work remotely as a digital nomad, or simply explore the country in depth, this guide will give you a clearer picture of what it has to offer. Germany is one of Europe’s leading economies, known for its high quality of life, supported by a strong education system, a robust job market, and well developed healthcare infrastructure.

However, for someone who has just arrived from abroad, figuring out how to access these services can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’re going to walk you through all the key aspects of living in Germany, so you can focus on packing your bags and enjoying the adventure, with everything you need to know already in place. Willkommen in Deutschland!

Quality of life in Germany

If you’re considering living in Germany but still have questions about what day to day life is like, it’s worth knowing that the country offers a high standard of living. Whether you’re coming to study, work for a local company, live as a digital nomad, start your own business, or simply spend a few months exploring, Germany provides excellent services that make your stay comfortable, smooth, and rewarding.

Here’s how the German healthcare system works

When living in Germany, you’ll have access to a high quality healthcare system built around mandatory health insurance. Everyone is required to be insured, either through the public system or a private provider. Unlike in Spain, healthcare isn’t free, but covered through monthly insurance contributions that take care of most medical expenses. Here’s a simple guide to how the system works and how you can access it as a foreign resident:

• Public health insurance (GKV): It’s mandatory for employees earning below $77,361 in gross annual income. The contribution rate is 14.6% of your gross salary, split between you and your employer, and it also covers your family members.
• Private health insurance (PKV): Available to higher earners, with premiums that vary depending on your age, medical history, and the level of coverage you choose. Unlike the public system, it doesn’t automatically include family members.
• European Union (EU) citizens: If you’re staying in Germany for less than 90 days, you’ll need to request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the health authority in your home country to access medical care during your visit.
• Non-EU citizens or those planning a long-term stay: You’ll need to take out health insurance in Germany, which is also a mandatory requirement if you’re applying for a student or work visa.

German hospitals are highly regarded for their skilled medical professionals, cutting-edge research, and quality patient care. Some of the most notable ones include Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, and LMU Klinikum München.

Learn about education in Germany

If you’re thinking about studying and living in Germany, you’ll be joining a system known for its high educational standards. German students regularly score above the international average in assessments. For instance, the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) shows that German students average 500 points in reading, science, and math, compared to the global average of 488.

German universities are highly regarded worldwide and offer a wide range of programs and fields of study, including options in English. As an international student, you can apply for scholarships and enroll in some of the top institutions, which according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, include:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM): Ranked 28th worldwide.
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): Ranked 59th.
• Heidelberg University: Ranked 84th.
• Freie Universität Berlin: Ranked 97th.
• RWTH Aachen University: Ranked 99th.

Economics and wages

Living in Germany comes with a moderate cost compared to other European countries, being cheaper than Switzerland but generally higher than in Spain. Expenses also vary depending on the city, with Munich being the most expensive and cities like Leipzig and Dresden much more affordable. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the average gross monthly salary in 2024 is around $4,576.

Germany has the largest economy in Europe and ranks fourth in the world, after the United States, China, and Japan. Its economy is driven by exports, with key markets across the EU, the US, and Asia, as well as strong investment in innovation, industry, and education. If you’re planning to live in Germany to work for a local company, the country relies on skilled workers to sustain its growth. According to the German Economic Institute, more than 400,000 skilled immigrants will be needed each year to meet the labor demand in:

• Engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil, industrial)
• IT professionals (software developers, system administrators, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists)
• Doctors and healthcare professionals (nurses, physical therapists)
• Skilled technicians (electricians, plumbers, welders, industrial technicians)
• Teachers and educators (especially for elementary and technical secondary schools)
• Logistics and transportation
• Natural sciences and mathematics

Germany, a safe country

You can feel safe living in Germany, as it is one of the most secure countries in Europe, ranking 16th out of 163 nations in the 2023 Global Peace Index. With a crime score of 33.29 out of 100, it is considered low-crime compared to the global average. The most common offenses tend to be minor theft, scams, online fraud, and occasional incidents related to nightlife or discrimination.

Germany takes the safety of its residents seriously, with a visible police presence in busy areas, and enjoys political stability that earns the trust and confidence of its citizens. Some of the most peaceful cities to live in Germany include:

• Munich: Very low crime rate, excellent quality of life.
• Freiburg: A university town with a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for families.
• Heidelberg: Popular with students, safe, and multicultural.
• Hamburg: Safe residential areas.
• Leipzig: Affordable, thriving, and with enhanced security.

This is what internet access is like in Germany

Even though Germany is an economic powerhouse and would be expected to have top-notch digital infrastructure, it has faced some criticism. Internet coverage is uneven in certain areas, and average connection speeds of around 50 Mbps are still being upgraded. According to the European Commission’s 2023 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), Germany ranks 13th out of 27 EU countries for connectivity.

The main providers in Germany are Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, which offer 4G coverage across 98% of the country. To get even better internet access, Holafly’s monthly plans are a great option. They provide 5G coverage nationwide, unlimited data, a stable and secure connection, and the ability to connect multiple devices at the same time.

On the other hand, for short trips, Holafly’s eSIM for Germany is another option, offering unlimited data only on the days you need it.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Advantages of living in Germany

Beyond the benefits we’ve already covered, such as access to a highly respected education system, living in a safe environment, receiving care from top-notch medical professionals, and being part of one of Europe’s strongest economies, living in Germany also offers plenty of opportunities for personal enjoyment. Away from work or study commitments, you can explore the country and its close connection to nature:

• Green spaces: In Germany, enjoying nature is easy, even in large cities. Urban green spaces like Berlin’s Tiergarten, Munich’s Englischer Garten which is bigger than Central Park, and Hamburg’s Stadtpark provide ideal places to relax or work outdoors.
• Respect for the environment: Germans are very environmentally conscious, and cities are designed to support eco-friendly transportation, with well-planned bike lanes, extensive public transit, and pedestrian-friendly areas.
• Leisure activities: Germany offers a rich and diverse cultural scene, featuring over 6,000 museums, theaters, and opera houses, as well as international events like Munich’s Oktoberfest, festive Christmas markets, and concerts throughout the year.
• Outdoor activities: If you enjoy hiking, cycling, or skiing, Germany offers plenty of marked trails in national parks, nature reserves, and rural areas, including the Black Forest, the Alps, and the northern lakes.
• Central location in Europe: Thanks to Germany’s central location in Europe, traveling to nearby destinations is easy and affordable. Cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Prague, Zurich, or Vienna are within reach by plane, train, or even by car.

Disadvantages of living in Germany as a foreigner

The main drawbacks of living in Germany are mostly things you can adjust to over time, so there’s nothing here that should make you rule out moving to the country. It’s important to weigh all the benefits we’ve discussed against the less positive aspects, such as:

• The German language: German can be challenging if you haven’t had experience with Germanic languages. While you can get by with English in many cities, speaking German is essential for certain skilled jobs and for handling official paperwork.
• High rent in major cities: Some of Germany’s major cities, such as Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin, have high rental costs. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Munich can start at around $1,562 per month.
• Gray and cold weather in winter: Living in Germany during the winter can be tough if you’re used to a Mediterranean or tropical climate, as the skies are often overcast and temperatures can drop to around -4 °C.
• Difficulty socializing: Making friends in Germany can take a while since locals are often more reserved initially. If you’re coming alone, participating in group activities or workshops can help you connect with others and build friendships faster.

Frequently asked questions about living in Germany

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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